plural smiles
: an expression on your face that makes the corners of your mouth turn up and that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.
He greeted me with a big smile.
I like your smile.
She gave me a smile. [=she smiled at me]
a polite smile
a smile of pleasure/satisfaction
smiles; smiled; smiling
1
: to make a smile : to make the corners of your mouth turn up in an expression that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.
The photographer asked us to smile for the camera.
She smiled when she saw him.
She hasn't had much to smile about lately. [=she hasn't had much reason to feel happy lately]
He smiled to himself [=he smiled or felt happy] as he looked at the photos.
—often + atShe smiled at me.
I had to smile at his silly comments.
2
a
: to show or express (something, such as approval, encouragement, etc.) by a smile
Both parents smiled their approval.
I smiled my encouragement.
b
: to say (something) with a smile
"Nice job," she smiled.
Cite this Entry
“Smile.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/smile. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
